11 sandwich method feedback examples

Find sandwich method feedback examples from which to benefit.  Use them in personal and professional life.  My article focuses on blogger illustrations, as a guide.

My first experience with the sandwich method was with public speaking.  I was once a club member, where giving speeches was the goal.  In other words, members learned and practiced in a friendly environment.

The sessions started with icebreakers to encourage members to leave their comfort zone.  I learned the techniques and delivered speeches.  Evaluators gave their feedback and did so encouragingly.

The goal of the evaluation was to provide constructive criticism and positive feedback.  That’s when I first learned the sandwich approach to feedback.  It’s not intimidating, but supportive.

Reasons for critique 

Criticism helps someone to get an idea of their performance.  Some methods are formal, while others are informal.  In organizations, it can be formal and official.

Assessments can take different approaches.  These can either be harsh, lenient, a mixture, or somewhere in between.  Your intention, the occasion, or the situation might influence your chosen approach.

The degree of harshness can influence the receiver.  The sandwich approach to constructive criticism is rather encouraging.  You may wish to read more about the general benefits of feedback in my other post.

What is the sandwich method?

The method contains 3 key components (just like in a typical sandwich).  Positive feedback, constructive criticism, and positive reinforcement.  Start with the first, come to the second, and end with the third.  This allows you to praise them, tell them where they can improve, and encourage them for the future.

Constructive feedback supports growth and development.  With this approach, you give one praise, then a harsher reality, and finally encouragement.  This helps in many relevant situations.

Sandwich method feedback examples

Sandwich approach method feedback examples are useful.  There can be various opportunities to use the method.  Depending on the situation, you might want to give constructive criticism and positive feedback.  There are other options that I’ll come to later in the article.

Times when anyone could make good use of it.  In personal or professional life.  You can gain from it.

Here are occasions that can bring an opportunity to use it:

1. Family get-togethers
2. Hanging out with friends
3. Being a schoolteacher
4. Coaching and Mentoring
5. Performance Reviews
6. Responding to blog comments
7. Replying to emails
8. Collaborating with peers
9. Evaluating your own videos
10. Evaluating another vlogger’s content 
11. Speaking with collaborators

My list is non-exhaustive but gives an idea.  I start with some general occasions.  Then move to blogger and vlogger specifically.

Breaking down the list

The sandwich method feedback examples can relate to anyone.  Apply them to your specific needs.  For the sake of illustration, I’ve broken them down into 3 parts.

1. General occasions:

• Family get-togethers
• Hanging out with friends
• Being a schoolteacher
• Coaching and Mentoring
• Performance Reviews

The personal life experiences are rather informal.  You’re spending time with close ones or pals.  You want to point out something that could be improved.  However, you don’t want to offend the other.  

For example, tell your bathroom singer cousin not to disturb you at night:

‘Your voice is fun and unique!  However, I feel disturbed while asleep.  Could you please practice singing during the day instead?’

Professional and study life experiences can be a bit different.  A teacher wants the student to get better marks.  A mentor encourages the mentee to improve and excel.

Teacher to student:

‘You’ve improved your marks this week.  However, you need to work more in math.  I see you’re keen and working hard.  Keep it up!’

2. Blogging occasions:

• Responding to blog comments
• Replying to emails
• Collaborating with peers

While there are more ways that bloggers can use the approach, I’ve highlighted 3.  These 3 are rather popular ones, that bloggers of any niche experience.  

Respond to blog comments.  This could be replying to others who post on your blog.  You could also visit someone else’s site and express your views.

Reply to a challenging comment on your site:

‘Thanks for your thoughts.  However, I have already addressed your point in the fifth paragraph.  I value my reader’s feedback.’

Replying to emails could be of a broad category.  You communicate with peers, but also with brands that you work with.  You could seek a freelancer’s service, and have to evaluate their work.

Email to your new freelance VA:

‘I like the way you use bullet points.  However, I was expecting a clearer description to save myself time. Continue using the bullet points, and try to summarize the content next time.’

3. Vlogging occasions:

• Evaluating your own videos
• Evaluating another vlogger’s content 
• Speaking with collaborators

It can be hard to go on camera, so don’t be too harsh on yourself.  When you evaluate your own work, pat yourself on the back.  Simultaneously, do find areas to hone.

Note to yourself in self-reflection:

‘Not bad for my first try.  I need to find better lighting next time.  I know that I’ll improve with each video.’

When you communicate with collaborators, you might choose to be supportive.  Yet, you find the need to ask for improvement.  

Evaluate your new collaborator:

‘Thanks so much for being so understanding.  However, I don’t think my niche audience will like the background used.  Your last setting was great, so could we use it again?’

Constructive criticism encourages other vloggers to progress.  At the end of the day, collaborators support each other.  Encourage others, bringing out the best in them.

Cons or drawbacks of it

Why the sandwich feedback technique is ineffective?  You may ask about the cons of the method.  It could be ineffective where some level of strictness is needed.  It might also be too lenient, or insincere, therefore, ineffective in specific environments.

As with anything, consider the benefits and drawbacks.  Most importantly, know your goals.  You might want either a more lenient or a harsher approach.

Alternate options available

Note some alternative methods to the sandwich approach.  In some cases, you might prefer alternate methods to it.  It could depend on your goals, the environment, and your preferred approach.  

Other models to consider:

• SBI 
• GROW
• COIN
• CEDAR

Tips for effective use

Whichever method you choose there are some general best practices.  No one likes to be evaluated.  It tends to be challenging and can leave them feeling oppressed.

Some handy things:

• Be clear and actionable
• Don’t be personal 
• Tailor your feedback
• Active listening

Choose the approach best suited to the need.  Are you talking to someone close, informally?  Are you in a more professional and formal environment?  The method guides how to proceed.  However, you can improve your skills by practicing.

Conclusion 

Use the sandwich method feedback examples for ideas.  See how you can make good use of the techniques.  Choose your approach, based on given circumstances.